Having the perfect rental application may seem like something easy to achieve. However, winning a rental application is tougher than it may seem. You must think about paperwork, references, good first impressions, etc. With the following tips, this process will be easier. You will find a good way to stand out to your future landlord and have your rental application easily accepted. 

Get your paperwork in order
One of the most crucial tips for winning a rental application is to provide all the documentation you need. Make sure you have the paperwork in order; otherwise, all your efforts will go to waste. Most importantly, you will need to provide proof of identification, such as a passport or a driver's license. If you are unsure, talk to a professional who will guide you through the process of applying for a rental. 

Provide your rental history and references
One of the most important pieces of information you'll need to provide is your rental history. Every homeowner is cautious when choosing a new tenant. They want someone who is reliable and who will pay the rent on time as well as keep the space in order. The best way to let a homeowner put their trust in you is to provide your rental history and references from previous homeowners. Use your rental application to show that you took good care of each property you lived in and that you paid rent on time.

Reach out to the owners of your previous rentals and ask them for references. These will help you immensely with your rental application. Even if the landlord of the rental you are applying for doesn't require you to add a reference, providing one will make you stand out. If many people are applying to rent the same property as you are, this will set you apart from the rest. The landlord will be more inclined to choose you as the new tenant as they'll be able to trust you. ​

Apply for the right rental property
You may already have an idea of what kind of property you would like to rent and live in. So, make sure you always apply for the rentals you can envision yourself living in. Don't apply for every property on the market. It may seem like a good strategy to reach out to as many landlords as possible, but it is not. Only spend time researching and applying for rental properties you know you can afford and live in. You will save yourself a lot of time and have enough energy to look for that perfect rental property. Before you start sending out your rental application to landlords, be sure about what kind of property you are looking for. 

For starters, location is one of the most important factors to consider. This is because the location is one of the rare things you can't change about your new home. Make sure it doesn't make your daily commute much longer. And see whether it has all the amenities you need close to it. Check out each neighborhood and whether it has everything needed for your lifestyle. For example, if you are moving with kids, you can base your decision on the nearby school districts. After you are all set on the location, narrow down your options by square footage and the number of rooms. Of course, factor in the condition of each rental as well. Newly upgraded and renovated rentals will cost more. 

Prove you can afford it
Every landlord wants to rent their property to someone they can count on for years to come. That's why having a good grasp of your finances is crucial. When a landlord knows you will pay your rent on time, they will give you a chance. Show proof that you can pay rent each month by showing proof of employment. Some landlords even contact your employers to make sure whether it is true. You can give proof of income by submitting your tax records. Whichever way you choose, you must provide proof that you can afford the rental property you decided to apply for. 

Write a cover letter
Besides the references from previous landlords, you can stand out to your landlord by writing a cover letter. The cover letter to the landlord doesn't have to be long. Rather, write down some key points about why you are interested in the property and why you think you'd make a great tenant. A good cover letter can help you during this process immensely. The landlord will appreciate that you took the time to write a cover letter. So, it will give you a bigger chance of being accepted as a new tenant. 

Be ready to move
Another thing that will make the process of applying for a new rental stress-free is to prepare ahead for the move and the relocation. Once you know you are prepared, you will have no problem relocating once your rental application is accepted. Moving can be stressful if you don't do it on time, especially when making an interstate move, such as from Florida to Nevada. Ensure to hire movers and rely on professionals who can handle your move from one state to another. Purchase the right packing supplies and pack as efficiently as you can. Save space and money by decluttering and packing strategically. With the stress of applying for rentals and dealing with the paperwork, you don't want any additional problems. And hiring the right people for the job is one of the easiest ways to make a move to your rental easy and stress-free. 

Tips for winning a rental application: summary
Winning a rental application can be easy when you plan accordingly. By providing all the necessary information, you will appear more reliable and trustworthy. And with a good cover letter and a couple of references from your previous landlords, you will surely be accepted as a new tenant. Before you get accepted, take some time to plan the moving process. This way, you'll move in more quickly once your application gets accepted.

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If you're thinking about renovating your home, there are a few things you should know before you get started. From understanding the different types of renovations to budgeting for your project, this guide from Clark Real Estate will give you an overview of what to expect when it comes to renovating your home.

Different Types of Home Renovations
There are many different types of home renovations, from small cosmetic updates to major structural overhauls. Some common home renovation projects include:

• Kitchen remodels
• Bathroom remodels
• Adding or expanding a room
• Finishing a basement or attic
• Updating flooring, lighting, or fixtures
• Painting or wallpaper
• Installing new windows or doors
• Sprucing up outdoor spaces

Establishing a Timeline and Schedule
Once you've decided on the scope of your project, it's time to establish a timeline and schedule. This will help you stay on track and ensure that your project is completed on time and within budget.Some factors to consider when creating your timeline and schedule include:

• The availability of tradespeople (e.g., electricians, plumbers, etc.) 
• The delivery time for materials 
• Any permits or approvals that are required 
• How long each stage of the renovation will take 

Budgeting for Your Renovation 
Next, you'll need to create a budget for your renovation. This will help you keep track of all the costs associated with your project and ensure that you don't go over budget. When budgeting for your renovation, be sure to factor in the cost of the following: 

• Labor  
• Materials  
• Equipment rentals  
• Permits
• Approvals

Software Used by Contractors These Days
Contractors today use a variety of software applications to manage their projects, including project management software, accounting software, and CAD (computer-aided design) software. Certain specializations also have their own specialized software. All in all,  by understanding which software applications your contractor is using, you can better communicate with them and stay up-to-date on the progress of your renovation.

How to Find Capable, Trustworthy Contractors
Once you've established a budget and timeline for your project, it's time to find capable, trustworthy contractors who can get the job done right. Here are some tips for finding reputable contractors: 

• Check online reviews: A quick Google search will reveal any past complaints or issues that potential contractors may have had with previous clients.
• Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbors: If someone you know has recently had a good experience with a contractor, they'll be more than happy to pass along their contact information.
• Check references: Once you've narrowed down your list of potential contractors, be sure to check their references before making your final decision.

Clearly Communicating Your Ideas
One of the most important aspects of any home renovation is clear communication between you and your contractor. After all, they're the ones who will be responsible for bringing your vision to life! Make sure you take the time to sit down with them and clearly explain what it is you're looking for before work gets underway.

Putting your ideas in writing is advisable, as well. If you like, you can start in Word, then save the files as PDFs so that they can be easily accessed on different devices. If you want to join various PDFs together, you can do so in seconds by selecting a PDF merger tool that you can use for free.

Getting Permits
Depending on the type and scope of your renovation, you may need to obtain certain building permits before work can begin. Your contractor should be able to advise you on which permits are required for your project.

Adding a Home Office
With more and more people working from home these days, it's no surprise that many homeowners are looking to add a dedicated home office space as part of their renovation plans. If this is something you're considering for your own home, be sure to factor in the cost of additional electrical outlets, internet hookups, and any other special features that may be required.

The Benefits of a Home Warranty
Finally, one last thing to consider when renovating your home is whether or not to purchase a home warranty. This type of insurance protects against unexpected repairs or replacements that may be needed after the completion of your renovation project. While not required, a home warranty can give you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.        

Now that you know more about what to expect when renovating your home, it's time to start planning YOUR dream renovation! Just remember: careful planning, clear communication, and staying within budget are key to ensuring that your project goes off without a hitch!

Clark Real Estate offers a variety of property management services for landlords and tenants alike. If you have any questions, please let us know. 

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Flipping houses can be a great way for aspiring students to earn money for college. With a little hard work and a bit of luck, one can turn a profit from buying an inexpensive fixer-upper and selling it at market value. Investing in the real estate market requires careful research and savvy knowledge of the industry, but with dedication and persistence, flipping houses can become a lucrative investment that pays off in more ways than one.

Find the Right Home to Flip
One of the most important steps in real estate investing is finding the right home to flip. It can be hard to determine which properties are worth your time and money. However, there are several factors you should consider when evaluating potential flips. You should look at a property’s location, condition, zoning, and comparable prices. Also, consider housing trends and research what similar properties have recently gone for on the market. With a little diligence, you'll be able to find the perfect property flip. 

Check the Zoning
When looking for a house to buy and potentially flip for a profit, it is important to research local zoning laws. Every county or municipality may have different regulations which could prevent or limit renovations, additions, or other changes that could affect the value of the property. By checking with the local zoning laws first, potential home flippers can save themselves the heartache of a bad deal.

Call the Pros
Even if you have experience in home improvements, it's still wise to hire professional contractors for major projects such as plumbing, electrical work, structural changes, and more. Skilled professionals will get the job done correctly and safely while ensuring that your renovation project complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

Make It Sparkle
When you're ready to put up your property for sale or rent, don't forget about deep cleaning. A good vacuuming and decluttering will already go a long way. This is an often overlooked step, but it can make all the difference when it comes time for potential buyers or renters to tour your home since they'll appreciate seeing how well-maintained everything is from day one. Plus, deep cleaning before listing will give you an edge over competing listings on similar properties nearby.

Market Your Property
When it comes to flipping a house, successful marketing can be the difference between making a profit and taking a loss. Utilize all available channels to get the word out about the property, such as listing it on online real estate sites, reaching out to local Realtors for referrals, and utilizing social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Host an open house or organizing events at the property to generate interest. Invest in professional photography, staging, and open-house support to increase visibility. 

Additionally, make business cards, which can help spread the word about your listing quickly and easily. Make sure your cards include information about what makes your property unique, such as its location or amenities included in the sale/lease agreement.

Alternatively, reach out to Clark Real Estate. We can manage your property for you in the Reno and Sparks areas.

Study Online to Save on Costs
If flipping houses isn't enough money for school tuition, you can always take classes online. Whether you want to earn your bachelor of education or your master's in accounting, virtual learning has become popular in recent years due to its convenience and flexibility when compared to attending full-time in-person classes. Moreover, online degree programs can cost significantly less, which means your tuition budget goes further.

Flipping houses to help pay for college can be a lucrative undertaking. With careful research and planning, it can be an incredibly rewarding venture both financially and emotionally. Whether you're looking to pay off student loans or save up money for tuition costs at college, flipping houses can be a great way for adults to return to school after years away from the academic world.

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We all want to live in a safe place, but as a landlord, you are also responsible for maintaining the safety of someone else's home. You also have an obligation to protect your business's valuable assets. You have a legal responsibility to take reasonable precautions to keep your tenants' homes secure because a break-in is upsetting for everyone involved, especially in the case of furnished dwellings. Although it's unsettling to think about, burglaries do happen to people, and ignoring security concerns won't make things better. In order to improve the safety of your rental, you don't have to break the bank, and there are many options available.
 
Secure the door
What is the most important thing you provide to ensure the security of your tenants? If the exterior doors of your building are not secured, burglars and other unwanted guests will have easy access to your tenants and their belongings. Make sure the door locks are working, and the doors are closing properly.
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Deadbolts are a more robust security measure than a doorknob lock alone. It could be a good idea to place a peephole in the door, so your tenants can see who is knocking.

Keep the windows secure
Rental homes may have multiple entry points, including windows. If the windows aren't locked, burglars might easily break into the apartment, especially if it's on the ground floor or second floor.

Make sure that all of the locks on your windows are fully operational and in good condition. Add window bars for your tenants' peace of mind. It's possible that some people will turn down your offer just because of how they look.

Set up smart locks
Smart locks require tenants to enter a PIN to enter their homes. Some people want a key fob in addition to the code for further security. These smart door locks are useful for evicting tenants when their lease is up. To prevent the previous tenants from entering, update the code.

If you frequently lose your keys as a renter, this is a great solution. They need only learn the code once to never be shut out again. You'll also benefit from this excellent news because you won't need to employ a locksmith or grant them entry to your property.
 
Add to or improve the lighting
Having adequate lighting is a simple way to improve the safety of your rental. Safer pathways and more aesthetic outdoor areas are two benefits you can reap from installing automatic lighting. Having a safe rental will usually retain your tenants longer. Look around the rental property after dark to see if there are any areas that could benefit from extra light. Make sure there is sufficient lighting around your home to see everything on the property, even if your tenants don't turn on their outdoor lights. Pathway lighting will ensure the safety of residents walking to and from their homes after dark, and floodlights are an excellent option for lighting the sides of a structure. Think about installing solar panels to cut down on your monthly energy bills.
 
Set up surveillance cameras
Formerly prohibitively expensive security camera installations are now more affordable for homeowners, giving you and your tenants more peace of mind. Tenants are prohibited from installing security cameras inside their unit, although they can be used to monitor the front door, stairwells, and back of the building. Because of this, cameras are effective even when they are not actively recording.

Establish a safety system
A security system is an expensive investment, but it will help you feel protected in your own home. You can find a security system that fits your needs and budget since there are several options to choose from. You also have the option of choosing a home security company. As there are many of them to choose from, you should find an adequate solution to your problems and needs. Door and window sensors, smoke detectors, and motion-detecting lights are all essential components of a comprehensive security system, so keep those in mind while you shop.

DIY security devices are convenient since you can easily set them up and access them from afar. As long as you're connected to the device, probably through an app on your smartphone, you'll be able to use it.  Monitoring costs are usually not too high on a monthly basis, although some tenants may be willing to pay more for peace of mind.
 
Make exit points accessible
One easy way to deter unwanted visitors is to maintain a spotless entrance and exit to your rental home. Trim massive bushes, so they don't block the view of your house from the street. If you're worried about potential criminal activity, you might want to install surveillance cameras at the entrances and exits of your property. By keeping all exits and entryways unobstructed, we ensured that first responders could get to the scene quickly and residents could get out safely.
 
Employ the services of a property manager
Hiring a property manager can give you peace of mind whether your building is empty or occupied because they will be responsible for the building's upkeep and security while you are away. Experts at consumeroponion.org suggest that you look for different providers and services online. A property manager can help with issues like maintenance, problem-solving, and security if you are unable to be physically present at the rental property.

If you want to make sure your rental property is in good shape and improve the safety of your rental, you can ask the property manager to do random inspections on the tenants. They might even show up when the place is deserted to send a message to would-be burglars that someone is keeping an eye on things and using the space.
 
At the end of a lease, collect all keys
Never allow your renters to leave with the keys to your rental property after they have moved out. While your renters may have been reliable and pleasant, you never want extra keys lying around.

You never know where the keys will wind up. When your renters leave, meet with them to inspect the unit and hand over the keys. It may take a few hours out of your day, but it will significantly improve the safety of your rental.
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Keep rent increases consistent and fair
As a landlord, one of the priorities for your rentals is to bring in profit. As such, it’s understandable that, over time, you’ll increase the rent rates to stay profitable. However, prices rising suddenly and by too much can scare off a lot of tenants. Try to keep the increases smaller and introduce them over more extended time periods. Additionally, do market research and justify your reasons for increasing the rent. A good rule of thumb is to keep the rates lower than market rates and implement them slowly. Additionally, experts from Peasley Transfer & Storage advise that, if you do have to turn over a tenant, there are benefits to having a storage unit on standby. A bit of extra space never hurts.

Give incentives for lease renewals
One of the most important ways to raise your tenant retention rate is to give incentives for lease renewals. After all, your tenants renewing their lease means they will stay on your property, which should be a priority. The most effective incentive is, of course, a discount on the rent. However, this isn’t always an option, and you must get creative. For example, you can consider partnering with companies to offer your tenants deals and other similar things. Remember, you need to keep your tenants interested, so whatever offer you make, you need to make sure it’s something they’ll consider.

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Provide quality customer service
No matter how you look at it, customer service is essential for all businesses, and rentals are the same. If your tenants feel heard and valued, they will likely stay on your properties. This starts as early as their move-in date. You must provide all the information your tenant needs to move into the property. From there on, make sure to listen to their requests and worries and reply promptly. If any sort of issue arises, answer them as quickly as possible and see that they’re solved just as quickly. And when dealing with problems or general maintenance, keep your tenants updated on the progress. Remember, everyone likes being heard and valued, and it goes a long way for your tenant retention rate.

Be professional but also personable
Every landlord has measures and punishments for damage to the property, missed payments, and other issues. It makes sense, as they need to enforce the lease rules to stay in business. However, remember also to be understanding with your tenants. For example, if your best tenant happens to miss a payment, try to check in with them. See what the problem is and try to find a solution instead of immediately resorting to punishments.

7 ways to raise your tenant retention rate – wrap up
Landlords need to ensure their tenants stay on their properties to avoid losing profit. Thankfully, there are quite a few easy ways to increase retention rates if you’re willing to put in a little effort. We hope that this list of 7 ways to raise your tenant retention rate helps you out.

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6. Use a catch basin

Some properties can have issues with water gathering around the base. A good solution, in this case, is to install a catch basin, which will ensure no water gathers around the home's base. A catch basin will effectively redirect the water from the basement and foundation, thus preventing structural damage.

7. Install a sump pump

An excellent way to make sure there's no water building up in your basement is to use a sump pump. Essentially, any water which might otherwise gather in the basement will drain into the sump pit, which you can later pump out a distance away from the house. However, keep in mind that sump pumps must also be maintained regularly to work properly.

Closing thoughts

Water damage is one of the common issues in properties all across the US. However, avoiding this kind of damage is very important for rental properties, as the damage can seriously lower the property's value and the landlord's investment. So, it's imperative to do your best to prevent it both as a tenant and a manager. Fortunately, most ways to do this are straightforward, only needing regular checks to ensure problems don't become serious or stop them outright. We hope this list of 7 tips for preventing water damage in your rental home helps you avoid water damage, and we wish you a great rest of your day.

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